Marlborough – Francis J. Grieve, “Frank,” 89, of Marlborough, died peacefully with family by his side on Sept. 11, 2021 at UMass Memorial – Marlborough Hospital. He was the son of the late Anne Grieve (Kennedy).
He was predeceased by his wife, Janet Grieve, daughter Sandra A. Grieve and stepdaughter Lisa Wright, brother Jack Grieve, and cousin John Mather.
He was born on March 26, 1932, in Boston and graduated from Commerce High School. After one year at Northeastern University, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served four years as an Aviation Mechanic during the Korean War from 1952 to 1956, attaining the rank of Sergeant. While stationed at Offutt Air Force base in Omaha NE, he met and married his first wife Virginia in 1954 and then moved to Massachusetts to raise six children in Chelmsford and Marlborough.
Frank worked most of his career in Engineering at Raytheon Company for close to 40 years, retiring in 1992. During this time, he was the man behind the scenes running the movies at the Marlboro Cinema at Boroughs Plaza for many years alongside his brother, Jack. Frank was also actively involved with the Dukes of Marlboro Drum & Bugle Corps for many years.
After retirement, Frank enjoyed many years of traveling across the country in a Motor Home with his loving wife and soul-mate, Jan, having visited every state except Alaska. They made many friends along their travels and spent many happy times camping, Square-dancing and Volunteering. He had a great spirit and attitude about life and was always a helping hand for everyone.
Frank loved his Grandchildren and went out of his way to spend as much time as possible with them, attending every holiday, birthday, graduation as well as taking them camping and many, many vacations.
He spent his last six years living at Christopher Heights of Marlborough, which he loved. He called the staff family and loved them all very much.
He is survived by his four daughters, Linda Coots and her husband Bob of Punta Gorda, Fla., Karen Umbrello and her husband Dave of Westminster, Terry Manning and her husband Jack of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Maureen LeMarbre and her husband Dana of Lunenburg. He is also survived by his son, Tim Grieve and his wife Kathy of Weathersfield, Vt., and stepson, Steven Wright and his wife Lizzy. Frank is also survived by his first wife, Virginia D’amico of Vermont, 15 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
A private service will be held by family members in Maine alongside his beloved wife Janet at a later date.
If friends desire, memorial contributions in Frank’s honor may be made to the Saint Jude’s Hospital.
